Which action is recommended first when turbidity breakthrough occurs in a filter?

Which action is recommended first when turbidity breakthrough occurs in a filter?

• A. Backwash the filter
• B. Add coagulant
• C. Increase flow
• D. Stop treatment

Answer: (A)

When turbidity breakthrough happens, the filter bed has become fouled and is no longer effectively removing particles. The first action to take is backwashing the filter. Backwashing reverses flow through the filter, lifts and loosens the media bed, and flushes out the trapped solids. This restores the pore spaces and reduces headloss, usually bringing effluent turbidity back to acceptable levels so normal operation can continue. Adding coagulant is a upstream treatment step and doesn’t quickly fix a clogged bed. Increasing flow tends to push more solids through and worsen turbidity. Stopping treatment stops production but doesn’t address the filtration issue at hand.

When turbidity breakthrough happens, the filter bed has become fouled and is no longer effectively removing particles. The first action to take is backwashing the filter. Backwashing reverses flow through the filter, lifts and loosens the media bed, and flushes out the trapped solids. This restores the pore spaces and reduces headloss, usually bringing effluent turbidity back to acceptable levels so normal operation can continue.

Adding coagulant is a upstream treatment step and doesn’t quickly fix a clogged bed. Increasing flow tends to push more solids through and worsen turbidity. Stopping treatment stops production but doesn’t address the filtration issue at hand.